China is an expansive destination with colorful culture, rich history, diverse landscapes, cute giant pandas, and exquisite cuisine… You might be wondering how to arrange an itinerary to suit your needs and make the most of your holiday in China: How many days do I need in China? Etc.
Here are some suggestions for designing your China itinerary based on our extensive trip planning experience.
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- How Many Days Do You Need in China?
- 1-Week China Itineraries
- 10–12-Day China Itineraries
- 2-Week China Itineraries
- 3-Week China Itineraries
- 1-Month+ China Itineraries
How Many Days Do You Need in China?
A classic China itinerary for first-timers is about 10–14 days, covering Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai with one more city: usually Guilin (for more varied and relaxing activity options), Zhangjiajie (exciting mountain experiences), or Chengdu (for pandas).
If you want to try some off-the-beaten-path routes, you may need 3 or 4 weeks. You could explore remote areas like Tibet (5–8 days), Yunnan (6–9 days), and the Silk Road (5–10 days).
If you have limited time, you could go with an essential itinerary of 7 to 9 days. You would just visit the "golden triangle cities" - Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.
If you would like our help when planning your China trip, feel free to contact us. Our travel consultant will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and make the best tour plan for you.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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7 day Beijing trip with China Highlights
We were in Beijing for 7 days and went to the Great Wall, Gubei Watertown, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Confucius Temple, Ming and Qing Tombs. Also went to watch the Acrobatic Show and the Golden Mask Show. The views are fantastic and the shows are amazing. Our tour guide, Colin, from China Highlights was awesome. He planned our itinerary flawlessly and took us to restaurants that served great authentic local food. Colin is very caring of my elderly mother and provided superb service. Thank you, Colin, for making my trip memorable. more
Mar 2025, Adrene
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Best tour guide ever
Extremely delighted with my Beijing tours. I was so fortunate to get Mark as my guide. and Hang to patiently drive us everywhere.Mark is extremely knowledgeable. witty and caring. Hang is sweet and mindful of my age. I am also grateful to Leaky of China highlights for planning an incredible itinerary for me. more
Mar 2025, Pope Kavita Michelle
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A day in Beijing with Jiang
We had a day trip to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Our guide Jiang organised all our transportation, ticketing and food needs, such that we did not have to worry about a thing. Jiang also spoke fluent English and was passionate about sharing the history behind the Great Wall and Forbidden City which we explored for 3 hours each on foot. more
Mar 2025, Bryan
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1-Week China Itineraries
If you have one week to explore China, you are recommended to consider the golden triangle route: Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai.
Or you could consider exploring one area in depth, such as Shanghai and its surrounding area (Hangzhou, Suzhou, and/or Huangshan).
Option 1: Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai (The Golden Triangle)
- Days 1–4: Beijing sightseeing, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City
- Days 5–6: Xi'an with the Terracotta Warriors and a hands-on experience, museum visiting, and a food tour
- Day 7: Shanghai with the Bund and free time to explore
The map of a 1-week China itineraryThe golden triangle route is a time-smart way for first-timers to see the most iconic landmarks and quickly learn about China's culture and history.
Beijing, being the capital city, is usually the starting point for a China trip. There you could see the top attractions of China, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. You could also have some cultural interactive experiences like visiting a local family in Beijing's hutongs.
In Xi'an, the Terracotta Warriors is a must. The hands-on experience of making your own clay warrior would make the visit more interesting. We can arrange it for you.
The Bund is the most famous attraction in Shanghai, where you can see its past and present. Most Shanghai tour plans leave some free time to explore by yourself.
Option 2: Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou
- Days 1–2: Shanghai exploration with the Bund and Yu Garden
- Day 3: Hangzhou (West Lake and tea experience)
- Day 4: Suzhou (classical gardens and water towns)
- Day 5: Back to Shanghai (free-time exploration)
With this itinerary, you would explore the famous Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai and its surrounding area).
You would see and learn about some of the top Chinese cultural elements like classical Chinese gardens, water towns, and tea culture:
- Walk around the ancient water towns and visit the most famous classic garden in Suzhou.
- Enjoy magnificent mountain views and enjoy some quiet moments in a quaint village in Huangshan.
- Learn about Chinese tea culture in Hangzhou. You can see how farmers pick tea leaves, learn the process for making tea, and talk to the local tea growers.
If you are interested in Huangshan for its mountain views and quaint villages, you can check out this combination: 2-Day Shanghai Old-and-New Collision + 5-Day Dynamic Huangshan Tour.
10–12-Day China Itineraries
An itinerary ranging from 10 to 12 days allows you to add one city to the golden triangle route (Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai).
If you like natural beauty, we recommend Guilin (for varied and relaxing countryside activity options) or Zhangjiajie (for exciting mountain experiences). If you or your kids love pandas, Chengdu is recommended.
A Classic 10-Day Itinerary: Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai
- Days 1–3: Beijing exploration, with must-sees including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City
- Days 4–5: Xi'an sightseeing, with a visit to the Terracotta Army and clay-warrior-making experience
- Day 6–8: Guilin, with a Li River cruise and outdoor activities like biking
- Days 9–10: Shanghai exploration, with a visit to the Bund and some free time
The map of a classic 10-day China itineraryOur top recommendation for a 10–12-day itinerary covers Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Guilin - the most-chosen route for first timers. Guilin features picturesque rural scenery and leisurely countryside activities.
It's a great place for outdoor pursuits with children, like kayaking and biking, as well as for couples to enjoy nature and create romantic memories, such as a walk around the karst-cradled paddy fields and a candlelit dinner by a rustic river.
If you have your own preferred destinations, you can also contact us. We would like to help you arrange a tour plan you'll love based on your interests and needs.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Amazing Guilin
Our trip to Guilin with China Highlights was awesome. We did a boat trip on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo as well as staying in Yangshuo and Xingping. The scenery was absolutely fantastic! There were limestone pillars everywhere and the people were so friendly. Our guide, William took us to all the best spots and gave us excellent historical and cultural information. He was always attentive and engaging with us. We sampled lots of delicious food as well as being introduced to local people - we even got some cooking lessons. Our hotels - Moondance (Yangshuo) and XingPing Island resort were friendly and welcoming family-style boutique hotels. Everything was so well organised we never had to worry about anything. (Thanks also to our CHL consultant, Chandler, who converted our original wish-list into an amazing itinerary). more
Mar 2025, Richard
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Guilin was amazing!
We had a wonderful time with our guide William in Guilin. He was very knowledgeable, funny, and took great care of our large family group - including my 90 year old grandfather! We made so many great memories and were so sad to say goodbye to William when we left. I loved walking through old town and the river cruise to Yangshao. The sugar factory hotel was spectacular- if you come in the warm weather, don’t forget a bathing suit. Thank you China Highlights! more
Mar 2025, Aly
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Una experiencia inolvidable en Guilin con nuestro guía Alonso
Tuvimos la suerte de visitar Guilin y contar con Alonso como nuestro guía, y no podríamos haber pedido una mejor experiencia. Desde el primer día, nos llevó a los lugares más impresionantes de la región y nos recomendó qué probar para disfrutar verdaderamente de la comida local. Pero lo que realmente marcó la diferencia fue su atención y calidez. Cuando se dio cuenta de que mi cumplea?os estaba cerca, me preguntó cómo quería celebrarlo y luego sugirió algo especial: ir temprano a un mirador que no estaba originalmente en el tour. Además, él mismo se encargó de comprar un pastel y vino para la ocasión, asegurándose de que fuera un momento especial. Fue un detalle que realmente apreciamos y que hizo que la experiencia fuera aún más memorable. Otra parte inolvidable del viaje fue el tour en moto por Yangshuo. Recorrer esos paisajes impresionantes de una manera tan auténtica y libre hizo que fuera una experiencia única. Agradecemos muchísimo a Alonso por hacer de este viaje algo tan especial. Su dedicación y pasión por lo que hace realmente se notan, y sin duda recomendaríamos esta experiencia a cualquiera que visite la región. ?Totalmente recomendado! more
Mar 2025, Kenneth P
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2-Week China Itineraries
If you want a richer experience for your China tour, including culture, nature, pandas, and some outdoor activities, 2 weeks is an ideal duration.
The map of a 2-week China itinerary including pandasA Popular 2-Week Itinerary: Golden Triangle, Chengdu, Yangtze Cruise
- Days 1–4: Beijing arrival and exploration, with must-sees including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City
- Days 5–6: Xi'an sightseeing, with a visit to the Terracotta Army and a clay-warrior-making experience
- Days 7–8: Chengdu panda tour with a keeper program - make panda cakes, see pandas being fed at close quarters, and clean the glass of their enclosures.
- Days 9–11: Yangtze River cruise with excursions
- Days 12–14: Shanghai exploration, with a visit to the Bund and some free time
With a 2-week trip in China, we recommend Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu, and a Yangtze cruise.
Few people would say no to cute pandas, especially kids. We can arrange a panda keeper program for you to observe and learn about pandas up close.
A leisurely cruise would allow you to enjoy magnificent views of the Three Gorges and really relax, which is especially welcomed for multi-generation family trips and senior couple trips.
For more options for a 2-week itinerary in China, see:
- 2-Week Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Shanghai Tour
- 2-Week Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, and Shanghai Tour
- 2-Week Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, and Hong Kong
3-Week China Itineraries
With a 3-week trip in China, you would have the chance to go to some off-the-beaten-path destinations like Tibet or Yunnan besides the top tourist cities.
Tibet is a destination on many people's bucket lists. Its mysterious Tibetan culture, pure plateau scenery, and unique festival experiences are all incredibly enticing.
Yunnan is a colorful land with many things to do, whether you're with your kids or your partner. There are beautifully-scenic mountains and lakes, old towns, diverse ethnic cultures, and adventure activities like hiking in one of the world's deepest canyons.
Or, if you prefer a laid-back option, you could consider exploring deeper into a certain area like Shanghai's environs (the Yangtze Delta), Chengdu's vicinity (Western Sichuan), etc.
Option 1: A 3-Week Itinerary including Tibet
- Days 1–4: Beijing (The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven)
- Days 5–6: Xi'an (the Terracotta Warriors with a related hands-on experience, food tour, City Wall)
- Days 7–11: Tibet (the Potala Palace, monasteries, local-life experience)
- Days 12–13: Chengdu, with a panda volunteer program
- Days 14–17: Guilin, with nearby towns (river cruise, biking, bamboo rafting)
- Days 18–19: Shanghai sightseeing
The map of a 3-week China itinerary with TibetOn a 3-week six-city trip, the number of days spent in Tibet would be about four or five. You would be able to go to Lhasa to see the iconic Potala Palace, watch devout Buddhists praying in Barkhor Street, and enjoy a picnic on the shore of a holy lake. Contact us if you are interested in this itinerary.
If you want to explore Tibet further, for example including Everest Base Camp, you would need more than 3 weeks or fewer cities.
If you are interested in visiting Yunnan during a 3-week trip, you can find an itinerary suggestion on our How to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China (Best 3 Options & Costs).
Option 2: A 3-Week In-Depth Shanghai Area Exploration
- Days 1–4: Beijing exploration (the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, hutongs, Peking duck)
- Days 5–6: Xi'an sightseeing, with the Terracotta Warriors
- Days 7–8: Chengdu panda tour with a keeper program
- Days 9–11: Guilin, with nearby towns (river cruise, biking, bamboo rafting)
- Days 12–13: Hangzhou (West Lake and tea experience)
- Days 14–16: Suzhou (classical gardens and water towns)
- Days 17–19: Huangshan (the Yellow Mountains and villages)
- Days 20–21: Shanghai (the Bund and free time)
With this 3-week itinerary, you would visit Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huangshan together with Shanghai and plus Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guilin. This option has a greater focus on South China, particularly the Yangtze Delta.
1-Month+ China Itineraries
Danxia landform in Zhangye on the Silk RoadWith 1 month or a longer holiday to spend in China, you could explore further still into some off-the-beaten-track destinations.
For example, in Tibet, besides the usual visit to its capital Lhasa, you could explore more remote destinations like Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, and Shigatse. Get inspired with our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Private Tour or 14-Day Tibet Tour with Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
You could also visit Yunnan and Tibet in one trip, which would enable you to know more about the minority cultures of China and see a variety of natural landscapes.
The Silk Road is also a good choice for a longer trip, where you could see vast deserts, ancient grottoes, Uygur culture, and much more. See our 12-Day Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar.
You can contact us for a more detailed and personalized itinerary arrangement if you are planning a one-month or longer China trip.
Tour China with Us!
We offer a personalized tour service. We would create a unique itinerary according to your flight times, interests, and any other requirements you have.
Just contact us, and we'll create your ideal China trip. Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.
Here are some popular options that you could base your trip on:
- 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Highlights Tour - the classic Golden Triangle trip
- 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai - our top itinerary for families
- 2-Week Beijing–Xi'an–Zhangjiajie–Guilin–Shanghai Tour - a top choice for nature lovers
- 2-Week Beijing–Xi'an–Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour - the choice for panda fans and cruise fans